In recent days there has been intense escalation in the region surrounding Iran, with increasingly reckless strikes from the Iranian regime targeting Gulf allies, including strikes on bases, on airports and on hotels. This is directly putting British lives at risk.
The situation is fast evolving, and I know Portsmouth people will be deeply concerned by the scale of this crisis – in particular the British nationals, including holiday makers and transit passengers, who are currently in the region and being told to shelter in place.
The safety and security of those British nationals remains this Government’s top priority, and the FCDO has stood up 24/7 consular support to assist those who require help on the ground.
The Prime Minister has made clear that the UK was not involved in US and Israeli strikes over the weekend. The Government has consistently pushed for a negotiated solution in the face of Iran’s unacceptable nuclear ambitions. Labour has also always been very clear that the Iranian regime is a malign and murderous one which poses significant threats not just across the region but also on British soil.
The actions of our UK Armed Forces in response to this situation have been solely defensive. This Government has not only stepped up our defensive capability across the region, as the Defence Secretary set out, but it has also now given the US permission to use bases where we have long-standing arrangements with them, for the specific defensive purpose of destroying the missiles targeting Gulf allies and posing a risk to British nationals in the region.
The Government has made it clear that we will not participate in these strikes, but they are part of a package of defensive measures being taken to protect the collective interest of us and our allies.
Labour does not want to see a protracted regional conflict or spiral into long-term regional instability and continues to call on the Iranians to end these reckless strikes and to return to the negotiating table.
That remains the Government’s top priority, alongside the swift and safe return of British nationals. That is where focus is now.
Stephen Morgan MP
